Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

by

Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice: Chapter 23 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Sir William Lucas arrives to share his happy news. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia rudely exclaim that they cannot believe it, but Elizabeth intervenes to congratulate him on the match.
Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are ignorant of social graces. Elizabeth constantly has to set the example for her family.
Themes
Pride Theme Icon
Family Theme Icon
Marriage Theme Icon
Mrs. Bennet fumes for days. She is angry with Elizabeth, the Lucases, and Charlotte, who will someday displace them at Longbourn. Her mood worsens when Mr. Collins returns to make wedding arrangements.
Mrs. Bennet is so angry because Elizabeth's rejection of Collins eliminates her only guarantee that she would be able to stay in her house if Mr. Bennet should die.
Themes
Pride Theme Icon
Family Theme Icon
Marriage Theme Icon
Meanwhile, Jane and Elizabeth start to worry because Bingley has not written. Jane writes to Caroline. Elizabeth believes that Bingley truly cares for Jane, but fears that his sisters, Darcy, and London will prove stronger than his love for Jane.
Elizabeth senses that Bingley is not completely confident and might be swayed by the prejudices of others.
Themes
Prejudice Theme Icon